Tonnes of groceries collected for food banks

SHOPPERS at a Stalybridge supermarket did ‘tonnes’ of good work at the weekend – when they donated groceries to support vulnerable families across the area.

Throughout the weekend they were asked to hand over an item or two by church leaders, volunteers and supermarket staff, as part of a national drive to support the growing number of food banks. And together they donated 1960 kilograms of groceries (that's almost two metric tonnes), which will be distributed to those in need by the Trussell Trust.

The Trust - which runs 280 food banks across the country - has just launched a food bank in east Tameside.

Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds was among those who supported the appeal on Saturday, alongside members from Holy Trinity Church, Stalybridge, St John’s, in Dukinfield, and New Life, in Ashton.

"Sadly, there are now significant numbers of people who are going without food – often facing a choice between eating or heating or in some cases having to skip meals to make sure their children don’t go hungry," said Mr Reynolds.

"They are struggling to make ends meet and food banks - which offer emergency packages of groceries to the most vulnerable – are now playing an increasingly vital role in our communities.

"Many of the people who visited the Stalybridge store at the weekend were keen to support this campaign.

"I believe almost two tonnes of groceries were collected from this single store – and I know the charities involved will make sure it makes a difference in our communities."

Meanwhile new research suggests one in 10 people across the North West have skipped meals or relied on their families for food in the past 12 months, because they can’t afford to eat. And increasingly families are seeking the support of ‘food banks’ in order to feed themselves and their families.

Chris Mould, executive chairman of Trussell Trust said: "Across the UK Trussell Trust foodbanks are seeing thousands more people in crisis turn to us for help. Every day we meet parents who are skipping meals to feed their children, or people who are forced to choose between eating and heating.

"We are delighted that Tesco is working with The Trussell Trust’s network of over 280 UK foodbanks and FareShare to help stop people going hungry this Christmas. We’d like to encourage everyone to give a can or two to help make this Christmas a happier one for people in crisis. Thank you."

Nationally the collection – held at Tesco stores throughout the country – will be used to support the Trussell Trust and FairShare.